retardado
“retardado” means “delayed” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
delayed
Also: slowed down, time-release
📝 In Action
La medicina tiene un efecto retardado que dura doce horas.
B1The medicine has a delayed effect that lasts twelve hours.
El crecimiento de la planta fue retardado por la falta de luz.
B2The plant's growth was slowed down by the lack of light.
Hubo un encendido retardado en el motor del avión.
C1There was a delayed ignition in the airplane engine.
retarded
Also: moron
📝 In Action
No uses esa palabra, es un insulto muy feo.
A2Don't use that word; it is a very ugly insult.
Le gritó 'retardado' y el profesor lo castigó.
B1He shouted a slur at him, and the teacher punished him.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: retardado
Question 1 of 3
Which of these is a neutral, safe way to use 'retardado'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'retardare'. 'Re-' means 'back' and 'tardus' means 'slow'. It literally means to make something move slower than it normally would.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'retardado' always an insult?
Not in technical contexts. When describing medicine, chemical reactions, or biological growth, it simply means 'slowed down' or 'delayed'. However, it is always an insult when used to describe a person.
What is the difference between 'retardado' and 'retrasado'?
They are very similar. 'Retrasado' is much more common for daily life (late flights, being late to work). 'Retardado' is more common in science and mechanics. Unfortunately, both can be used as slurs, so be careful.
How do I say 'flame retardant' in Spanish?
You would use 'retardante de llama'.